We’ve got our team together and are sharing our top tips for you this festive season. To help keep you healthy and happy in the build up to Christmas.
Sports Massage Therapist, Cameron, kicks off with a little joke (we’ll let you watch that to find out what it is!!)
Fiona – a Physio by training, Fiona now focuses her time co-ordinating ‘behind the scenes’ at goPhysio. Fiona’s top tip is to try not to be tempted to do all your Christmas shopping online. Getting out into towns or Christmas markets can help build some great activity into your day, you’d be amazed at the number of steps you can clock up. Carrying bags, loading parcels in and out of the car and house are all fantastic strength building activities too!
Physio Hugo, reminds us to think about your core when you’re lifting (especially those supersize bars of Toblerone!). Sometimes over Christmas we have to lift heavy or awkward items that our body isn’t used to doing (Christmas trees or big gifts), so activating those tummy muscles can help support your back a little when doing these sorts of activities.
Sports Therapist, Francesca, advises us to stay hydrated (with water!) – something many people overlook. Lot’s of sips throughout the day is the best way. Our team like these bottles from Hydratem8 that remind you to drink plenty and regularly (a great Christmas gift too).
Physio Kim has a great tip, that whilst you’re standing around over the festive period, be it in queues, cooking, washing up, at carol services……..try some balance exercises. Simply standing on one leg is a great way to build up your balance and make use of standing time. You could also do simple heel raises (going up onto you’re tip toes) on both or one leg, to strengthen your calf muscles, or little knee bend squats to work your leg muscles.
Our Clinical Director, Paul, advises you to put yourself first. We can be so busy at this time of year that we overlook our own needs. As Paul says, we get so many panicked phone calls at the last minute with people wanting help with pain or an injury urgently. If you have an ongoing niggle or injury and want to get it sorted before Christmas, then give us a call. Equally, many people find themselves with extra time off over the Christmas period, so this is an excellent opportunity to invest in yourself and see one of our Physio’s, Sports Therapists or Massage Practitioners to see how they might be able to help you.
Physio Roz advises to make sure you don’t skip your sleep! Sleep is so important to health and wellbeing. The festive season often brings with it much socialising and late nights, so if you’ve got a night in, make the most of it and recharge your batteries by getting an early night!
And finally, Sports Therapist Tom recommends that if you’re sitting for extended, lengthy periods of time – be it in the car travelling to see people or lounging on the sofa, look after your posture. You can use a cushion, towel or specialist lumbar roll to provide some extra support in your lower back if you need it. Even better still, try not to stay in one position for too long, change position regularly, get up and move about and get out in the crisp winter air for a walk.
All of us at goPhysio wish you a very happy and healthy Christmas. If you need our help over this time, we’ll be open apart from the bank holidays. Here are details of how to book